An audience of specially invited guests and key customers at the Chippenham-based kitchen and bathroom retailer J Sheppard & Son were joined by one of the world's top chocolatiers, Ruth Hinks, for an exclusive two-hour masterclass.

The masterclass was organised by sink and tap specialist, Franke, as a thank you to J Sheppard & Son for raising the most out of any of its 'More in Store' retailers this year for Marie Curie, by hosting a Blooming Great Tea Party.

Franke provided over 5,200 free chocolate brownies developed and baked by Ruth, along with marketing resources, to 190 retailers across the UK for the campaign. J Sheppard & Son raised an impressive £1,337 towards Franke's final total of £8,272 for Marie Curie.

Ruth, who is reigning UK World Chocolate Master, taught the essential skills needed to create the perfect chocolate truffles, pralines and ganache including how to taste, temper, roll, dip and decorate chocolate, and make chocolate lollipops.

Says Oli Sheppard, director at J Sheppard & Son (pictured with Ruth): "It was a lovely gesture from Franke to organise the masterclass for us and it was a great way for us to thank some of our customers for their ongoing support.

"Ruth's skills with chocolate and pastry are second-to-none and we had a wonderful afternoon gaining an insight into her work and even trying our hand at some of the techniques."